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500

Italian·
££££
·
Bronze Award
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SquareMeal Review of 500

Bronze Award

Named after the iconic Fiat Cinquecento, this personally run “Italian local” is old school, tiny and full of character. Despite cramped conditions and limited lunchtime opening hours, it's still in demand thanks to first-rate regional cooking, with deftly made pastas always high on the agenda – perhaps tagliatelle with clams and bottarga (cured mullet roe), strozzapreti with slow-cooked beef ragù or ravioli stuffed with Italian sausage and spinach. Main courses such as baked rabbit in porcini sauce with sautéed potatoes or char-grilled whole sea bream with Belgian endive and green sauce might leave you feeling stuffed, but it’s worth saving room for some tiramisu or the coppa 500 (poached quince and raisins in caramel and cinnamon, served with hazelnut ice cream and chocolate sauce). Old-fashioned service adds to the atmosphere, and the thoughtful wine list is a rewarding trek through Italy's regional vineyards.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
Italian
Perfect for
Dates
Food Hygiene Rating

Location

782 Holloway Road, Archway, London, N19 3JH

020 7272 3406 020 7272 3406

Website

Opening Times

Mon-Sat 6-10.30pm Fri-Sun 12N-3pm (Sun -9pm)

Reviews

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6 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Tuncay G

28 May 2014  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4
Value 4
We both enjoyed the food a lot, the staff were very welcoming, friendly and attentive. We visited 500 on our anniversary and must say we both had doubts due to it's location but we were very satisfied when we left, we will definitely visit again. The price was slightly higher than what we usually like to pay and the seating plan could be better but don't let this put you off this great restaurant.

Brian C

25 September 2013  
Food & Drink 5
Service 4
Atmosphere 4
Value 4
500 good reasons to dine here
This was the second time I have dined at this restaurant, the last time about 2 years ago – the food and evening was excellent. This time my partner wanted to take me out and I invited my adult daughter and her partner. The restaurant was less than half full when we arrived and in the ten minutes we waited for my daughter, it became totally full. The staff did not hassle and all through the evening it was attentive but very relaxed and not at all pushy. For starters, we ordered one of the mixed hors d'oeuvre and two small starters. One of our number is a non meat eater and there was plenty of choice in the dishes plus the variety of complimentary breads. For mains we had one pasta order, one bream and two lamb plus two mixed salads for sharing. All the dishes were very good – the pasta was said to be the best my partner had ever had! We all had desserts, two coupe and two tiramisu followed my coffees – all good. We drank a bottle of Prosecco followed by an excellent bottle of red, identified by my daughter. We drank, afe, talked in a totally relaxed way and were one of the last two tables to leave. Total cost for the four of us was about £140 Not cheap but good for a special night out.

Gianluca D

27 January 2010  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
According to my opinion, it's one of the under-rated, hidden gems in town. Staff are attentive, friendly. Food is simply executed, full of flavour and not the last generous portions. I have tried tagliere 500, gnocchi al sugo di salciccia, costolette d'abbacchio and tiramisu'. Heaven at earthly prices.

Anon

20 August 2009  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 5
Atmosphere 4
Value 5
We arrived on an exceptionally busy and wet Thursday evening. We hadn't booked, so sat down in a small cozy area at the back and had a few beers whilst waiting for a table. We were looked after by charismatic and warm waiting staff and brought a complimentary selection of gorgeous bread and, after having waited around 45 minutes due to an unfortunately timed rain storm, a few samples of dishes from their menu. The food was all carefully and lovingly prepared and bursting with freshness and flavour – from the rustic home made breads and the cheese & mint filled fried tortellini we sampled at the start to the seafood ravioli which melted in the mouth. An absolute gem. I can't wait to go back.

robert B

18 January 2009  
Food & Drink 5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Despite occupying probably the worst location in North London, it’s a triumph! Went as part of a large..ish party of eight, including an Italian, so it was always going to be interesting. It’s a small room, and the decor is probably the only thing that lets it down, all the women in our party announced the colour scheme as a bit of a brown nightmare. Has the feel of a family-run business, service was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. The food was extremely good, particularly the starters, recommend the charcuterie. It’s what you would describe as “good honest, no nonsense Italian” strong flavours and rustic. Wine list is small but there is really good value to be had, particularly with the reds. We rolled out. Good for taking people who haven’t eaten in quite some time.

Tamsin F

28 November 2008  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
We went to 500 last night and the we found the food, amazing, truly stunning flavours. Nothing quite like it. As we live quite nearby, we definitely will be back again to try more of their expert Italian dishes. Tamsin
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020 7272 3406 020 7272 3406

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